AVONTUUR RELEASES 2 NEW PREMIER RANGE WINES
Avontuur Estate near Stellenbosch recently released the 2004 Chardonnay Reserve,Luna de Miel and the Bordeaux blend, Baccarat 2001.
The Luna de Miel spent 8 months in new French oak and 75% of the wine was fermented with wild yeast, which adds to the complexity on the palate. Featuring typical whiffs of lemon and lime on the nose with a further citrus explosion on the palate, the wine is complex and intense with a terroir-specific spiciness on the aftertaste.
"Luna de Miel always has an intriguing spot of ginger on the finish," says winemaker, Willie Malherbe. "The juice came into the cellar at a huge 15% alcohol and was immediately a presence to be reckoned with. It has now mellowed and incorporated into the wood, with the natural yeast adding that little bit of extra distinction."
Luna de Miel is a perfect match for smoked salmon and cream cheese as well as any citrussy chicken, seafood or fish dish. Moroccan chicken tagine with preserved lemons is one of our favourites.
Baccarat is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels.
The wine is a full-bodied, dark ruby colour with generous chocolate/mocha and cigar box aroma's. Take the first sip and purple fruit and black cherries come through on the palate, ending off in a lingering smooth finish.
"The wine is full and gutsy with a creamy concentrated mouthfeel. I'd serve it with robust beef dishes like oxtail or matured steak. Another more unusual suggestion is a dark chocolate mousse with a black cherry coulis," says Willie Malherbe, a keen cook himself.
Avontuur Estate is also home to some of South Africa's top race horses and both of these wines are named after race track champions
Luna de Miel 2004 and Baccarat 2001 is available from the Estate at R70 and R115 respectively per bottle, or from upmarket liquor outlets and restaurants.
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WINE ESTATE INVESTS IN CITY CENTRE VENTURE
The "Boland" comes to Cape Town from mid-March when Avontuur Wine Estate launches its new restaurant in the historic Queens Hotel at the entrance to the V & A Waterfront.Tony Taberer, international businessman and owner of Avontuur Estate & Stud near Stellenbosch is the main investor in this unique venture, thereby establishing Avontuur as the first wine estate to own its own restaurant in the city centre.
Albert Robertson, founder of the Grill & Butcher and later The Famous Butcher's Grill Group, is a partner and responsible for the day-to-day running of the venue.
The restaurant, which makes full use of the historical landmark's setting and architectural beauty, boasts an existing cellar which was converted into a unique underground tasting venue and private function room, seating 22 people. A full range of drinks is available from the bar, but the only wine for sale in the venue is from Avontuur Estate.The design and decor was handled by Alex Smuts Architecture and Design who treated the historical challenges with sensitivity, creating a clean and modern interior, featuring specially designed furniture and fixtures and unusual, over-sized glass-mounted photographs of Cape Town and its people.
The restaurant is open every day from 6.30 am for breakfast until 10pm for the night owls and on Sundays from 8am to 6pm.
It is situated in the Queens Building, Dockroad, V & A Waterfront (Next to the City Lodge).
Reservations can be made at (021) 421-0044
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SUNSET AND A VIEW AT AVONTUUR ESTATE
Summer evenings in the Western Cape last forever, and enjoying them whilst sipping a glass of wine and nibbling a few snacks, is one of the best ways of passing the time. Finding the right spot to relax after work with colleagues or to take a break before an evening out with friends, can be a challenge.
Avontuur Estate on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West offers tourists and locals the opportunity to watch the sun set over False Bay with Cape Point in the distance every Wednesday between 4pm to 7pm (Starting again in mid-November 2004). Sundowners are served in a comfortable outdoor setting on the terrace in front of the cellar. Great views over the green paddocks and pedigree horses of the Estate's Stud with stunning mountain scenery as a backdrop, will ensure a visit to remember.
A Mediterranean-inspired snack platter from The Avontuur Restaurant and a free glass of Avontuur Vintner's White or Red is available at R40 per person. Thereafter wine can be ordered from the restaurant wine list at very reasonable prices.
Avontuur's tasting venue with its knowledgeable and friendly staff is open for tastings and wine sales. Reservations are preferable and must be made by contacting the restaurant at (021) 855-4296.
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AVONTUUR RELEASES LUNA 2003
Avontuur Estate near Stellenbosch recently released its Chardonnay Reserve, Luna de Miel 2003. The wine spent 6 months in new French oak and 10% of the wine was fermented from wild yeast, which adds to the complexity on the palate.Winemaker, Willie Malherbe describes it as toasty on the nose with lemon, lime and hazelnut on the palate with rich buttery aftertaste. "I think this wine is perfect with a creamy seafood potjie or a rich Crayfish Thermidor" he says. "Or serve it with a Thai green chicken curry with coconut cream!"
Avontuur Estate is also home to some of South Africa's top racehorses and the premier range of wines produced on the farm, are all named after race-track champions. Luna de Miel Chardonnay perpetuates the name of a famous brood mare, brought to the farm 13 years ago from Argentina. She started a dynasty of winners and is buried on the Estate. Luna de Miel is available from the Estate in limited quantities at R68 per bottle or from upmarket liquor outlets and restaurants.
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NEWS ARCHIVE:
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT JENNI PRINGLE AT (021) 855-3450
